Council adopts package of ordinances, resolutions and appropriations including derelict‑building rules, PFAS and Little Creek Dam funding

Newport News City Council approved a broad package of ordinances, resolutions and appropriations at its Aug. 12 regular session, voting unanimously on each item reported during the meeting.

Key council actions included adoption of new local enforcement authority for derelict buildings, amendments to notice procedures for unsafe structures to align with Virginia Code § 15.2‑906, expansion of rental‑dwelling identification and inspection rules, and authorization for the city manager to execute an access easement to benefit Trustwood Properties LLC. Council also approved conveyance of the Julius Khan Gymnasium property to the city’s Economic Development Authority and accepted five parcels from Livingstone Monastery to support wetlands and stormwater management.

Council adopted a resolution directing participation in the proposed settlement of opioid‑related claims against the Sackler family and added a local procurement change to ensure military family businesses are a protected group in contract awards and that U.S.‑manufactured solar photovoltaic equipment is not excluded in procurement rules.

On appropriations, the council approved multiple funding actions across city capital and enterprise funds, including:

- State arts grant pass‑throughs and operating support grants recommended by the Arts Commission. - Engineering and preconstruction appropriations: $1,000,000 for Copeland Park pump station preliminary engineering; $1,000,000 for CSX embankment preconstruction studies; and $2,000,000 for Diaskan Creek Dam remediation design and permitting. - Water Works appropriations: $3,000,000 for preconstruction support of PFAS compliance work; $4,000,000 for Westhampton neighborhood distribution improvements (bond authorization 2021); $4,937,874 for property purchase at 15680 Warwick Boulevard to support Lee Hall complex master plan; and $17,750,000 from the 2026 revenue bond authorization for construction of the Little Creek Dam Improvements Project. - Downtown initiatives appropriations totaling $5,500,000 drawn from multiple bond authorizations.

All appropriation items (h1–h10) were moved and seconded and passed 7–0. Council members and staff noted the PFAS funding context and the ongoing timeline for major waterworks projects, with construction for some projects anticipated in FY 2027–FY 2029.

Other routine land‑use and administrative votes carried unanimously: a conditional use permit for a small motor‑vehicle repair facility at 9955 Jefferson Avenue (CUP Charlie Uniform‑2025‑0004), an access easement at 13141 Jefferson Avenue, and authorization for offers to acquire property for the James River Drive Forest Main Project. Council also approved the consolidated five‑year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development (FY2025–2029) and associated annual action plan and citizen participation updates.

Council’s recorded votes for these items were unanimous as entered into the record; staff recommended approval on each item and the council followed staff advice across the package.

Speakers during this portion of the meeting were primarily staff presenting recommendations and council members offering brief comments. Public comment related to other issues (vape shops, DMV records, public‑safety gratitude) was heard under citizen comment but did not change or delay the listed votes.